He raced through incoming fire so he could put himself between an enemy's rifle and a wounded Marine

[Judi Lynn]

He raced through incoming fire so he could put himself between an enemy's rifle and a wounded Marine
Honor the fallen.
JAMES CLARK FEB 23, 2020 11:14 AM EST

On this day 51 years ago Pfc. Oscar P. Austin gave his life to save a fellow Marine when he not only leaped toward an enemy grenade, absorbing the blast, but then stood between the injured man and a North Vietnamese Army soldier, taking a bullet to save another Marine.

For his actions that day, Austin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award for valor.

Born Jan. 15, 1948 in Nacogdoches, Texas, Austin grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1967, before he enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1968.

Within a year, he was in Vietnam, serving as an ammo tech with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, according to the Navy.

More:
https://taskandpurpose.com/unsung-heroes/oscar-austin-medal-of-honor

Rest in Peace, Oscar Austin.

[lapfog_1]

1. did you say Nacogdoches?

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2009031385783296

Odd how somethings just register in your brain.

Anyway, hats off to the hero, Oscar Austin.

[Judi Lynn]

5. Never saw that one before. John Wayne clearly had that behemoth confused with another behemoth!

Thanks!

[oldsoftie]

2. Everyone hopes they have that kind of courage somewhere inside them.

And you hope you're never in a situation where you have to find out.

[Judi Lynn]

6. I've seen so many I'm pretty sure would never be moved to try..... n/t

[Karadeniz]

3. All self sacrifice is soul based. The brain, dedicated to physical survival, would never inspire

Sacrifice. I'm sure Oscar is indeed in a wonderful place. He earned the right to be there. Thanks for sharing!

[Judi Lynn]

4. I'm sure you're right. Your comment caught me off guard, and my eyes filled with tears.

Had never taken the time to think about it, but there can't be any doubt there has always been a schism there, maybe we arrive with it. This brave human went directly to the greater state of being and operated from that place. He served the higher cause without putting himself first.

Your comment will stay in readers' minds to marinate, no doubt about it.

Thank you.

[TomSlick]

7. Thanks for the posting.